CEBU, Philippines - Team Olkaz, manned by Calambua's homegrown talents, rode on a furious endgame attack to zap San Miguel, 102-89, and complete a three-game elimination round sweep in the Lou Ornopia Basketball Tournament at the Calambua open court in San Remigio north of Cebu.
Top gunner Jei Dablo, who had a brief stint with the University of the Visayas (UV) Baby Lancers, once again unleashed his offensive firepower at will to topscore for Olkaz with 39 points.
Dablo got huge support this time from Kevin Barro with 36 points, while Barbie Velasco chipped in 13 markers as Team Olkaz gained top seeding and a twice-to-beat advantage going into the semifinal round on April 6.
The two protagonists actually fought on an even playing field from the outset until Team Olkaz detonated a devastating 32-20 bomb in the final quarter to blow away San Miguel.
In the other game, the Ilihan cagers staved off early elimination after pulling off a 79-78 cliffhanger over Bagtic.
The month-long tilt, which is among the highlights of Calambua's annual fiesta in honor of its beloved patron San Vicente Ferrer on April 13, offers close to P30,000 in cash prize to the top performing teams. The champion will pocket 10,000, while the second to fourth placers will take home P7,000, P5,000, and P3,000, respectively.
Supervised by commissioner Gumersindo Jubay, Jr., the games are being officiated by Rabbi Aranduga, Dondon Ferolino and Shonnel Patalinghug.
Presented by the entire barangay council of Calambua in partnership with MS Motosuit, the event is also supported by Bradder Moto Access, F&FO Motor Parts, Sanitec General Services, Speed-up Motor Parts, RMO Motor Parts, Prospeed, Motomaze, JCO Motor Parts, Keiz BJ Motors, Leizel Navarez, Diosdado Navarez, Anong Lumapas, Jerry Samarita, Vincent Golbe, and the families of Saludar, Ycot, Ornopia, Montealto, Armenion, Jubay, and De la Peña. (FREEMAN)
The scores
First game
Olkaz (102) - Dablo 39, Barro 36, Velasco 13, Ducay 8, Abao 2, KL Ornopia 2, Jubay 2, Coligado 2
San Miguel (89) - Argawanon 43, Pantaleon 26, Cumayas 11, Molina 5, Cuer 4
Second game
Ilihan (79) - Gualin 20, Monrerola 15, Neis 8, Hortelano 7, Codiñera 6, Ducante 4, K. Ornopia 4, Ruba 3, Prescillas 3, N. Ornopia 2
Bagtic (78) - T. Migabon 23, R. Pepito 20, C. Cesa 14, J. Pepito 9, Methoda 6, Aton 4, Canque 2